The Tactical Strength Challenge (TSC) is a strength competition consisting of three events:
- A three-attempt powerlifting deadlift
- Pullups for max reps
- Kettlebell snatches for max reps in a 5:00 time period
You can find out more at tacticalstrengthchallenge.com
I had the opportunity to participate in my first TSC last weekend. I had meant to do it the previous year but it always fell on days where I had prior commitments.
This time I was definitely going to do it. I had to drive 2 1/2 hours to the nearest place it was held, in Sacramento, CA at Midtown Strength and Conditioning.
And I’m glad I did. This video shows me in all the events. (Thanks to Nick for filming for me.)
Deadlift
First was the deadlift. This was my first time competing on a lift like this. I’m use to the ‘do it however you want’ in the gym approach to training. Being limited to three attempts is quite a different beast.
I opened up with an easy 425. Then I moved up to 455, which felt solid. But then I got a little greedy. I thought the competition would help me so I set my sights on 505. In hindsight I can of course say it was too much as I didn’t budge it much. With my personal record currently at 475 I should have been more modest and gone for that or 485.
Pullups
Oh well, next event. Bodyweight pullups for reps. Here I hit my expectations. My goal was to break 20 reps, which would be a first. I think my previous best ever was 16-18. I cranked out 21 and was pleased. It looks like my recent one arm chinnup work has some good carryover.
Snatches
The last event was my best. The kettlebell snatch. To be honest since hitting 301 I had fallen out of practice on this a bit. (That’s something I do pretty often. Hit a big goal and then don’t want to do it again at least for a while.)
My grip was tiring out at the end. It could have been from the previous lifts. It could have been the slicker then normal kettlebell. Still I managed 146 reps. A little slow for my but I was also striving for a harder lockout then before.
Overall it was a great time and I got to meet some great new people. Competition is fun and something I plan on doing more of. There is a big difference in what you can do on the gym and having to perform on demand back to back events.
I’m still awaiting the final results as this is an international competition. Judging by last years results my deadlift was average, pullups above average and snatch right near the top.
Did any of you compete? What were your results?
In strength,
Logan Christopher
P.S. I’m thinking of redoing the video and making it a standalone product but right now as a special bonus you can get How to Kick Ass at the TSC for free along with Kettlebell Snatch Domination.
Filed under Barbells and Dumbbells, Bodyweight Exercise, Conditioning, Kettlebells by on Apr 14th, 2011. 35 Comments. 
I have to laugh. This form stuff is so funny.
I understand the snatch better than most people out there. I understand that form must be compromised to go this fast. Others do not understand this.
Useless!
If you haven’t seen the 301 video yet click here.
I also have great form when working with a heavier bell. Why? Because I can’t go as fast (except about 1-2 minute sprints – after that I have to slow down). Opps, I just gave you a hint about part of my training method. 
The vast majority of comments are overwhelmingly positive. Thank you everyone who sent those in. I even had people calling me up to say they were amazed and to talk in disbelief about the haters.
Perfect!
“i want to opt out of the videos.
while i think that your 300 snatches was a feat of strength and endurance, i do not think your form was acceptable, so i am opting out.
but great job on finishing them!”
So you acknowledge that I can do something almost no one else can do but it doesn’t meet your high standards.
You should opt out because there is absolutely nothing you can learn from me…
…if you close your mind off to anything outside your vaulted paradigm.
In fact, I had two people, who I like and admire, retract their endorsements of me for this very reason. Its an amazing feat but we can’t support your form.
“you need to do full reps for any of us to count it–this video is pointless”
Would you have been happy if I slowed myself down to 270 and had complete lockout? Even then you probably would complain.
I guess the truth is I’ve outgrown the 24kg kettlebell at least when it comes to a 10 minute snatch test. I have to go heavier because those stupid laws of physics are what’s holding me back.
Alright I can do heavier. Can you come close to this though?
“Go and learn the proper snatch. This isn’t snatch without the lockout on the top. You have no benefits from this kind of… What is this?”
This guy was so perplexed he couldn’t finish his sentence.
I am perplexed on how someone can see this and think there is zero redeeming qualities about doing it. No benefit? Really?
As if I don’t know how to properly snatch. I can snatch hardstyle. I can snatch GS. I can snatch in my style and I can effortlessly switch between the ’styles’ of snatching.
In fact I teach each as there is usefulness in each system or method of snatching. I’m sure I can out snatch the guy who said that in any form (at least with a kettlebell, the barbell snatch is not my thing).
Now some of the funnier and positive comments.
“I don’t think too many people out there in ‘HaterSnatchVille’ can even come close to do what you did.”
“don’t worry about these assholes who think they have a patent on the snatch. That was one hell of a feat.”
“Clearly you know how to snatch and you knew what shortcuts you had to make in order to crack the magic 300.”
“Pay no attention to the internet warriors.”
“It’s way to easy to say “well, yeah, of course he got 301. Look at his form! I could totally do that too if I used form like that.” That’s a bunch of crap.”
“Here’s a quote by Dave Tate. ” If they could, they would; since they can’t, they rant.” What you accomplished was incredible.”
I’m having fun with this and you should be too. Its too bad people infuse exercise with close minded politics and religion and then argue as heatedly about it.
Such is human nature. Such is internet behavior.
If you haven’t seen the 301 video yet click here.
Anyway, I’ll have a new video for you on Monday which gives you much more detail.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
Filed under Conditioning, Kettlebells, Lifting Technique by on Feb 26th, 2011. 11 Comments.
The time has come…
And that time is to dominate the kettlebell snatch.
As you likely know I recently hit 301 snatches in 10 minutes with the 53 lb. bell. Now I’ll finally show you how I did it.
I have a series of videos that not only shows you why you should train this way but tons of techniques that will help you to do so.
In order to get this you need to signup on the following page.
This is to get only the people that are interested in this information. Trust me, its going to be great.
You’ll find out why speed is king.
You’ll discover what the best technique is for kettlebell snatching.
You’ll receive advanced tweaks for your technique that can easily add 30 reps or more.
You’ll learn how to spare your hands from any ripping.
And it costs you nothing.
Of course, I do have DVD’s coming out too but you can get started right now with these online videos.
This has been something long awaited for. Check it out now.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
Filed under Kettlebells by on Feb 25th, 2011. Comment.
If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you may have heard.
I hit my goal!
301 snatches with the 24kg kettlebell in 10 minutes and multiple hand switches.
I’ll have a video up soon (sooner if my editing program hadn’t just given out on me)…
But that’s not what this message is about.
There’ll be plenty more on that soon, including how you can hit those ridiculous numbers too, but for now I have another huge announcement.
I’m super excited about this and I can count the people that know about his on one hand.
It’s almost ready. Tomorrow I’ll tell you what it is.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
P.S. Feel free to wildly speculate what it is by leaving your comments below…
Filed under Uncategorized by on Feb 10th, 2011. 6 Comments.
It is now 2011.
I’m not big on resolutions. It’s something like 97% of people have dropped their resolutions by the time February rolls around. I don’t want to be a part of something that has that pitiful of a track record.
Instead I do believe in goals. I do believe in review and planning. And I do use this time of the year as a catalyst to improve my life in many different ways.
A long time ago I starting writing a journal of what I did every single day. Soon after I begin reviewing each week and month writing down my thoughts on the previous one and planning out he next. While I made a conscious decision to cease the daily journal I continue on with the rest. It has been instrumental to my success.
I also do this for the year. And when I do it its very insightful.
Why Looking Back is Helpful
They say hindsight is 20/20, (looking back its still a bit fuzzy, sorry couldn’t resist the Megadeth reference, bonus points if you name that song!). This means when you look back you can see clearly. The thing is, this does you no good if you don’t look back. And simply remembering is seldom good enough.
By having a written record you can analyze, you can find things you wouldn’t expect.
I do this for every area of my life. But since this site is devoted to strength and fitness I’ll stick to what I’ve learned there and how you can learn from it and apply it to yourself.
A Revolution Happened to My Training this Year
That was biofeedback training as is taught in the Grip & Rip DVD’s put out by my friend Adam Glass.
It was a dramatic change from what I had been doing. When I started I had some difficulty not getting the fast results or feeling I was doing it right. Listening to your body is a skill that must be practiced. Sadly it’s a skill that few people have.
Yet my persistence paid off. Now I am better in tune with my body then ever before and the results are coming fast.
During the summer I was blowing my records out of the water. I added about 100 lbs. to my deadlift in the span of two months. My kettlebell snatches were nearing record numbers Everything was going up fast.
But I stalled out.
Why?
A Big Lesson
By looking back I was able to see the answer. It seems obvious now. I started going back to a gymnastics class. While I think weightlifting and gymnastic skills can be balanced you need to be careful in how you do it. I was making some progress in other fronts, but I was giving the priority to gymnastics.
So the days before and after classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays I couldn’t really lift well as I’d either be sore from class or want to be well recovered before I went in so I could perform well. If I wasn’t I couldn’t seem to do much there and it felt wasted so I avoiding training the days before.
And perform well I did. Some of my new accomplishments there included aerials, repeated back handsprings, a backflip holding 20 lbs, some basic moves on the parallel bars, a back lever and much more.
Then on Thanksgiving I was involved in a game of tackle football with friends. It’s a tradition, something we do every year. This year happened to be a rougher game then most. Beyond the regular stiffness and soreness, though I don’t know how it happened, my left wrist was injured and I couldn’t flex it back without pain. This made doing handstands and the majority of gymnastics out of the question while it healed.
Add in the fact that I just started my gym up and was excited to train there, I stopped going to gymnastics and have been back to focusing on weightlifting almost every single day (only taking a day off when I feel its necessary).
Now I’m back on track for my dead lifting, kettlebell snatching goals and everything else.
The big takeaway from this is that you not only need to have goals but you must prioritize them. Figure out what is more important to you. This is common sense, but as they say, it ain’t always so common. And in any case a reminder is always useful.
Setting the goals is important. Knowing you priorities is in some ways just as important.
At the time going to gymnastics was important. I had big reasons to go back. I just didn’t realize how much it would affect my other goals. Taking this information into consideration I have to make certain choices that reflect my priorities.
Possibly Even Bigger…
Another big revolution of 2010 has led me to studying the best ways of unlocking the minds powers to aid in these goals.
I’ve been working on some crazy stuff that is delivering results. A little technique that made a bolt twice as easy to bend. A different technique doubled the reps I got in a press from two to four while making it easier to do so, and without trying changed my technique in doing so.
This isn’t your average stuff. And I’ve only begun to see the true power of it. Lots more on this later.
So this is what 2011 marks for me. Because I have the best of everything I’ve ever had in place I plan to make faster progress then ever before. And it should only accelerate because I’m getting better at the skills I need in order to do it.
And with it I plan to share my techniques. In two days I’m going to be sending out a survey, as I’d like to see what most interests you in what I can offer.
There is lots in store for 2011. I hope you make the decision to come with me.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
P.S. And of course I wish to thank everyone who has supported me in the past by buying my products or even just reading what I write and visiting my websites. Thank you!
Filed under Bio Feedback, Mental Training by on Jan 3rd, 2011. 8 Comments.
My friend Doug Fioranelli invited me once again to his gym, Rise Above Strength, for their anniversary party. To support my fellow trainers and have some fun I drove out to Belmont and I’m glad I did.
To start with there was a competition. This was different from last years in that it was team completion instead of individual. This was simply because so many people wanted to join in the fun.
The first event was a double kettlebell deadlift with two 40kg kettlebells. These were to be lifted as many reps as possible with no time limit. The reps among the team members where totaled for the team score.
I’m hit 64 reps before the grip on my left hand when out. While I’ve been training the deadlift steadily, its never with kettlebells and never this high reps! I’m happy to report I hit the highest total among all the guys (some of the ladies, who were lifting 20kg kettlebells, were hitting 70 and 80 reps).
The second event was a team race with the prowler. In the video you can see one of three legs I had to do.
The third and final event was a medley with each team member having to complete one section. It involved 5 exercises.
1. 20 Pullups/Chinnups
2. Tire flips for a set distance
3. 70lb. Keg Press for 20 reps (30lb. Sandbag for women)
4. Walking lunges – 40 lbs. each hand for men and 20 for women.
5. Sled Drag forwards and backwards for a set distance.
As you can see in the video I did the tire flip which I was quite good at in last year’s competition.
The best part was Dan John, showed up and joined our team for this last event (manhandling the keg press with ease) as we were short a member. This was the first time we had met so it was one more pleasant surprise for the day.
After the competition I did a little oldtime strongman show bending nails, horseshoes, shredding a phonebook followed by a little kettlebell juggling.
Finally it was time to eat and what a BBQ it was.
A little later on I was showing some of the guys some of my techniques on kettlebell snatching. Its amazing how a few small things can make a big difference. (On that note, I should be hitting one of my main snatch goals very shortly.)
My main point in sharing all this is two fold. The first is to let you share in the fun. I like to keep this site personal and show you what I’m up to.
The second point is to encourage you to do the same. I’ve said this many times before and I plan to continue saying it. You need to get out there and compete. For those of us who have the luxury of a well equipped home gym we may not always get out and mix it up. For those without training partners its even more necessary.
An event like this gives the opportunity. It is a way to test how your training is going. It’s funny to note that everyone of the exercises in this competition was not something I regularly did. The deadlifts were close but I use a barbell or trapbar and 20 reps is a high rep set for me let alone 64.
(And in case you’re wondering, yes I am sore.)
The prowler and tire flip I haven’t done since the same party the prior year!
So when you go out and compete, in one form or another, you get to really put the pedal to the metal and see what you’re made of. Doing so is a lot of fun. I highly recommend doing it when you can.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
P.S. Be sure to sign up for our 10th and final call on Super Human Training. This week features Peter Ragnar and you won’t want to miss it.
P.S.S. Also I’m going to be hitting the road soon for the Longevity Conference. I’ll try to get you an update on a few things I learn while I’m at the event, but no promises. It’ll be a crazy busy and fun time.
Filed under Barbells and Dumbbells, Conditioning, Feats of Strength, Hand Strength, Kettlebells, Mental Training, Oldtime Strongmen, Videos, Workouts by on Sep 20th, 2010. 33 Comments.
I’ve talked about the kettlebell snatch test a lot here in the past. Figured I’d write up an article that tells you the basics of this exercises, the different tests, a few tips on training it, plus a video showing it all in action.
New Article –> Kettlebell Snatch
Filed under Conditioning, Kettlebells by on Aug 31st, 2010. Comment.
Hit a 470 lb. deadlift yesterday.
For those keeping track (like me) that’s another 15 lb. increase in 10 days. I was surprised I maxed out again so recently this time, but the journal doesn’t lie. Also, for the record that’s just past the 2 ½ times bodyweight mark. Closing in on 500.
Not world record status but if I keep up this pace how long would it take?
And just three days ago I hit 277 snatches with the 24kg in 10 minutes. Closing in on 300.
You too can have this kind of progress. What does it take? The way I see it there are three keys.
1. Training
You need to do the best training possible. After experimenting I truly believe biofeedback training is going to give you the best, fastest and safest results. Click here for more information on how to get started.
However, that’s not all there is to it. Biofeedback is not some magic pill. You still need ideas on the best exercises in general and for you. You still need to know the best ways to approach your goals.
Training is key, yet it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
2. Health and Nutrition
I’ve just released my book 101 Simple Steps to Radiant Health. This contains plenty of beginner and advanced tips on supercharging your health. Superior health means superior energy and recovery for your training as well as being free from illness.
The book is a great start especially if you haven’t paid too much attention to your health in the past.
Also when you order you have a chance to upgrade to a special program I put together detailing all the food and supplementation I personally take. (Like this video multiplied times 100.) This is only available right now for those who buy the book, but this information can make a dramatic difference. I know it has for me.
This is key number two.
3. ?????
The third component is not hard to guess if you give it some thought. However, for now I’m not going to give it away.
Truth be told, I think this can make a bigger difference than the other two combined. I’ve just started really using it and as they say ‘the proof is in the pudding.’
********
On a similar note, I’ve decided to add another bonus for those who order 101 Simple Steps to Radiant Health. (Everyone who has already ordered gets this too, of course.)
I’ll be holding a special Q&A call to answer all of your questions. What more details on tip 75? Want to know what I personally do with tip 31? How about how I do 66? Want additional tips?
Maybe I’ll even talk a bit about key number three from above?
You’ll receive access information when you order 101 Simple Steps to Radiant Health now. I’ll be holding the call in a couple weeks so that you have time to read, digest and apply the information you get.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
Filed under Barbells and Dumbbells, Bio Feedback, Health, Nutrition, Recovery, Strength Training Concepts by on Jul 2nd, 2010. 9 Comments.
I was only going to open this up to customers but I’ve decided to let anyone who wants in, as far as filling the last couple spots.
Maybe you’ve seen my recent results about my work on the kettlebell snatch. (All multiple hand switches.)
- 250 reps in 10 minutes with 24kg
- 160 reps in 10 minutes with 32kg
- 100 reps in 5 minutes with 32kg
- 200 reps with 24kg in only 6:45
I plan to hit my goal of 200 in 10 minutes with the 32kg by the end of July.
My question is who wants to come with me?
I know what I’m doing works but I could use some case studies.
Here are the requirements:
1. You have kettlebells or access to kettlebells you can train with (preferably of three different sizes, light, medium, and heavy).
2. You have done a kettlebell snatch before. Certifications are not required.
3. You can follow directions plus your own body in your training.
4. You can record yourself on video and get it online (even if its crappy video). I can help you with the uploading part if necessary.
5. You have a goal and desire to increase your kettlebell snatch numbers and will work towards that goal.
6. $97 one time fee to pay me for this coaching.
Here is what you’ll get:
1. Videos online that demonstrate technique, training methods and much more as I shoot them and put them online. No stone is left unturned regarding the kettlebell snatch.
2. Critiques on your form via your videos.
3. Any and all of your questions answered by email. Plus we’ll schedule a half hour one-on-one phone call. More on the kettlebell snatch, how to integrate it with your other training goals, or anything you want to discuss.
4. A copy of the DVD set ‘Kettlebell Snatch Domination’ when it is released most likely in September.
The only reason this is so cheap is that I’m going to use your results when I end up selling the DVD’s later. Plus your questions may help me cover something I may have missed. Therefore it’s very much in my interest to give you the best results.
Also I reserve the right to kick you out and refund your money if you don’t fit or aren’t doing the work.
If you’re interested you can sign up right here.
This is guaranteed. Your numbers will go up dramatically or I’ll refund your money and let you keep everything.
I will deliver. My numbers are going up faster than ever before with much less effort.
Join me.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
P.S. This is limited to only five dedicated people. The shopping cart is automatically setup to stop accepting after five people signup so don’t delay. (And half the spots are already gone!) Sorry I can’t keep this open longer or for more people but I’m eager to get started and need to keep it small due to the private access. Sign up here.
Filed under Kettlebells by on Jun 10th, 2010. 2 Comments.
This is the second in a series on my progress on biofeedback. Click here for the first post.
I still feel like I need more time to have revolutionary results. So far the results have only been great!
My lifts are going up. By following my biofeedback my body is guiding me to do higher volume most of the time versus what I use to do which was singles or maybe 5×5.
You may have heard about cycling or waving the loads before in periodization or other training plans. It looks like the reason that works is because that’s what the body naturally wants to do!
The question you may be asking is, is this higher volume leading to more strength on the top end? So far it seems to be yes. Still need more time to see the overall and definite trend but I’m starting to see it right now. About once a week or so the testing guides me to work up to a max (in different lifts). As long as the exercise keeps testing better with increasing loads I keep going.
One big change is that I no longer do a daily joint mobility routine. I don’t need to. My body isn’t beat up from training, in fact I rarely get sore and when I do its just a small amount.
I have improved my flexibility without doing static or isometric stretching. Even my hand balancing practice is getting better, when I’ve been stuck for a long, long time.
I leave each workout moving better than I did before the workout. I feel good, if not downright fresh and ready to do much more. Sometimes I feel a little worked after high volume or many exercises but I never feel dead tired or like I need to lay down to recoup.
Making it Hard or Making it Easy? The Choice is Yours...
I saw a comment on another blog regarding PR’s and I want to clarify what that really means. PR stands for personal record. It doesn’t mean you have to max out in your lift in order to get it. It simply means you’ve done more in one way or another than ever before.
Progress is the name of the game in training. And progress comes in the form of PR’s. There is no other way.
So these are my results…so far. I will continue to do this because its working. There is no turning back. I expect over time it will get even better. And I will report on what happens.
On that note, Adam Glass is re-releasing the Grip and Rip DVD’s with even more material that explains how to do all this properly.
When I got started I had lots of questions. It took time to get the feeling and to be doing it right. With these DVD’s you’ll cut the learning curve in half. And then you’ll see these results faster.
No other training information or program out there will give you the capabilities this one does. To listen to your body for your own training. To guide you in how you and only you should be training.
Not to mention I’m actually having even more fun then before with this stuff.
***BONUS***
These DVD’s are going to show you everything you need to get started fast. But I was thinking about what I could offer to complement this and I happened on this idea. You see, I learned best by going through the process myself. You can tell me something or show me how it works and I still might not ‘get it’.
Maybe you’re the same?
So I’m going to film my next two workouts and walk you through exactly what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. How I test, when I test, why I test, when I stop my sets, everything I can show you.
These will be made available as online videos on a secret page only for you who order now through this link and forward me your receipt.
They made a limited number of copies and they’re likely to sell out fast. So if you want this information and my bonus, which is the closest thing I can give you to walking you through it in person, you need to act now.
In strength,
Logan Christopher
Filed under Bio Feedback, Flexibility/Mobility, Recovery by on May 21st, 2010. 2 Comments.
